Jaltomata

Jaltomata
Jaltomata procumbens flower
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Subfamily: Solanoideae
Tribe: Solaneae
Genus: Jaltomata
Schltdl.

Jaltomata is a genus of plants in the Solanaceae. According to molecular phylogenies, Jaltomata is the sister genus to Solanum, which includes tomato, potato, and eggplant. [1] Jaltomata has a neotropical distribution, in that species occur from the United States southwest through Latin America, and into the Andean region of South America. Species encompass a wide range of vegetative and reproductive trait variation, including growth habit (trailing herbs, erect herbs, and woody shrubs), floral size, shape and color, as well as fruit size and color. Species may be most notable for their fruits, some of which are eaten by humans in Latin and South America. Depending on the species, fruits may be red, green, orange, or dark purple.[2]

There has been some discussion over the correct pronunciation of the name. Mexican botanists generally pronounce the "J" as the "J" in Mexican Spanish, i.e., similar to the English "H" but in fact more guttural, more like the German "ch." Many US botanists pronounce it as an "H" in imitation of the Mexican pronunciation. The original author, Schlechtendal, was German so presumably would have pronounced it as an English "Y."

Species

Currently accepted species:[3]

References

  1. ↑ Olmstead, RW et al. 2008. A molecular phylogeny of the Solanaceae. Taxon 57(4): 1159–1181
  2. ↑ Jaltomata Schlechtendal (Solanaceae), Thomas Mione, Central Connecticut State University
  3. ↑ The Plant List
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